The truth about mental illness in America

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6, 2015 — Approximately 1 in 5 American adults will experience some form of mental illness in any given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

This accounts for approximately 44 million U.S. adults, or 18.6 percent of the entire U.S. adult population.

According to NAMI, the current number of American adults stricken with a mental illness is staggering:

1 percent live with schizophrenia

6 percent live with a bipolar disorder

9 percent will experience a major depressive episode

1 percent suffer from an anxiety disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a variety of phobias

7 million adults suffer from substance abuse, with 40.7 percent having a concurrent mental illness

The states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, North Dakota and Delaware have the lowest incidences of mental illness in the country, a fact that could be attributed to access to responsive mental health treatment programs.

Having an untreated mental illness could play a significant role in criminal or homicidal behavior, especially if substance abuse or unemployment is also prevalent, according to David Kopel, research director for Independence Institute.

Photo courtesy of Tim (Timothy) Pearce/flickr

Admissions to mental hospitals have declined over recent decades, due to decreasing popularity over concerns regarding poor treatment of their inpatients. Conversely, since the 1950s there has been a significant increase within prison populations of inmates with mental illnesses.

According to Kopel, reducing the human and financial costs of violent crimes caused by those with mental illnesses is critical, and “90 days in a mental hospital might avoid the need for 10 years in prison.”

Approximately 15 percent of state prisoners and 24 percent of jail inmates likely have a psychotic disorder, according to the Department of Justice in a story by Ana Swanson and published in the Washington Post.

The ability to provide early identification and intervention for those displaying symptoms that might be indicative of mental illness would be a big step towards compassionate recovery and crime prevention.

Crime in America has become a highly politicized and polarizing issue.

Often, when tragedy strikes, social and political leaders seize the opportunity to bring their viewpoints to the national stage in order to further their own ideology.

As Americans come to terms with the prevalence of mental illness, there is a chance to create sound and realistic policies that move away from historically negative stigma and ideology and move toward both individual and national healing opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Joe Houghton/flickr

Creating more avenues for appropriate reporting of any suspected mental illness and requiring mandatory, compassionate treatment for those who are diagnosed would be a major step forward to helping solve the country’s current mental health crisis.

There are undeniable gaps in the mental health system that need to be bridged.

Sue Abderholden, MPHA, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, offers the following ideas, which would make crossing the bridge from mental illness to mental health easier, while simultaneously building safer communities.

Adequate availability of psychiatrists and mental health providers

No waiting lists for community services and inpatient treatment options

A 24-hour crisis team in every community

Employment and housing options

Effective case management and care coordination among mental health professional and organizations

Treatment programs for those with dual diagnoses

Opportunities for screening and early intervention

Unlimited access to mental health treatment

Early identification of a mental illness and access to appropriate treatment options is a sound, compassionate approach towards facilitating individual healing and making American communities much safer.

Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!

Laurie Edwards-Tate, MS, is a health care provider of over 30 years. As a featured “Communities Digital News” columnist, LifeCycles with Laurie Edwards-Tate emphasizes healthy aging and maintaining independence, while delighting and informing its readers. Laurie is a recognized expert in home and community-based, long-term care services, and is also an educator.

In addition to writing for “Communities Digital News,” Laurie is the President and CEO of her firm, At Your Home Familycare, which serves persons of all ages who are disabled and infirm with a variety of non-medical, in-home care and concierge services.

Laurie Edwards-Tate, MS, President and Founder of At Your Home Familycare in San Diego, California, was among the first to recognize the growing need for services allowing individuals to remain independent created by the aging of America including the Baby Boomer generation, now being called the “Silver Tsunami.” It is the Baby Boomers who are rapidly redefining what aging and growing older means and looks like in America today.
Now celebrating its 28th year in business, AYHF is among San Diego County’s Top Women-Owned Businesses and Fastest Growing Businesses, and enjoys a reputation for upholding the highest possible standards among its employees and its emphasis on customer service. Edwards-Tate is a valued contributor to the public dialogue on current issues and challenges in the home care industry, and serves in leadership roles on the Home Care Aide Association of America Advisory Board and Private Duty Home Care Association Advisory Board, as well as the Home Care Aide Steering Committee of the California Association for Health Services at Home.
Edwards-Tate is frequently interviewed in the media on healthy aging, caregiving, and health care topics.
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